THD is an Architectural Design Firm

THD is an Architectural Design Firm

by Tiffany Hanken

The spring and summer may have passed us by and we are deep into fall with chilly mornings, drier air and bluer skies. But that shouldn’t keep me from sharing the last of my “COVID Creations” series which was focused on my secret garden.

The Secret Garden

Tiffany Hanken's Secret Garden
My little secret garden in the city…

During COVID/pandemic times I think we were all looking for any project to ground us and make us feel like we had control. Over something… For me, it meant going back to my farm roots and building a garden.

We did a selection of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, and a vast selection of herbs. Turns out fresh garden veggies tell a completely different story than store-bought.

The space

Even though, when seeking advice, on this venture my mom quickly reminded me that I hated gardening as a child – ha! Turns out with years of life experience I finally understand what they were doing. It has been the most therapeutic and rewarding journey, and it turns out you don’t have to be in a rural area – you can be in the city!

Garden box in city yard

I studied a bit of gardening for a couple of weeks and went to an old friend’s farm to grab compost soil and the adventure began! We went with custom cedar raised beds as it seemed like a better fit visually (and for our lumbar 🙂

The fresh produce

We did a selection of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, and a vast selection of herbs. Turns out fresh garden veggies tell a completely different story than store-bought. They are as luscious and juicy as ever… and ratatouille has never tasted so good. 

Live the life you love with THD

The backyard

Ultimately the backyard shaped up really nice. It of course, now in regression preparing itself for flurries and frozen weather but I wanted to share it none-the-less. Our space became so cozy and so welcoming – we enjoy it still in the frosted air.

Plan for spring

Needless to say, this backyard project was done with blood, sweat, and tears – not a massive budget. You too can make a secret garden by sourcing local products, recycled products or visit your farm friends for soil, peat, and other repurposed wood and goods.

If you need help concepting your own secret garden, with winter or spring home decoration or maybe your home is ready for a full interior design remodel – contact us.


Related articles